ForumGarden

I've never lived in the USA. From what I've seen and heard, Hawaii must come high on a list of places there to live. I'm reading a book about the islands at the moment.

If you think that's not suitable, say why and I'll try again with better information.

hawaii is extremely expensive from what i am told.... do stay away from the swampland/hurricane/alligator and snake-infested state of florida! ...Carla will highly recommend the san diego area.

Lady, you just want more elbow room!

The only problems I saw with Hawaii, surfing the net, were high costs of rentals, groceries and transport back and forth. Apart from that, if you can find a job there before you head out, it seems perfect.

Apart from that, New England or Seattle spring to mind as beautiful places on the mainland where summer heat is less of a crisis.

Oregon is a great place to raise kids. Lots of space, a slower pace, and the teens here seem about 10 years behind the teens in Chicago. Summers can get up to the 90s but there is rarely any humidity. However, the winters are all rain - that's what makes it so incredibly green here. It's a semi-temperate rain forest, plus we have the high desert, the mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.

tmbsgrl wrote: Anyone know any good places for family. We are looking at all states.. We don't want to go home to Illinois and we don't want to stay here. Confused and looking for help..
After consulting with a SOOTHSAYER about your question and having a vision or two, I am encouraged to tell you to try Bend, Oregon.

Lon wrote: After consulting with a SOOTHSAYER about your question and having a vision or two, I am encouraged to tell you to try Bend, Oregon.Bend? Are you sure they said Bend? Not Salem?



Did the soothsayer have a coupon?

Dear Susie, most places have some good things about them and some bad .....just in different ratios! Very interested to hear you want to leave Arizona as one of my friends here in England is actually about to retire out there!!!

WESTERN IOWA!! Move to IOWA!!


We have a lovely view of corn and beans...green fields of Iowa Sweet Corn..Wonderful Lakes..A 4 bedroom house can be bought from $56,000 - 90,000$ and built new for $170,000- Education is incredible.....oops can I say that since I was a school employee.LOL - Also, I just plain 'ol feel safe! I live in a town that has about 15,000 people, and everyone watches out for everyones kids...and did I mention IOWA SWEET CORN??? and of course......MOM LIVES HERE!! and its close to Illinois - so u could go home quick and always visit - but be back here in 4 hours...

If you want to move further afield Susie,

Britains good and much cooler weather!

tmbsgrl wrote: Yeah we have checked it out on the internet and it is really expensive for everything there. I was thinking like somewhere in the country.. LIke Montana, Idaho, Oregan or Utah..


You know what I'm going to say about these states. All good. Don't forget Washington. I assume you will have jobs lined up no matter where you go, so...

Several notes:

1. Western Oregon and Washington - Climate very different than mid and eastern parts of the state. Politics also much more conservative as you move away from the coast.

2. Cost of living much much less than CA - on par with Arizona. (Except for Seattle, Redmond, & region.) The smaller towns are much more family oriented and "traditional" or "old-fashioned" as my friends put it.

3. Watch out for Montana. CA prices and people have invaded! Places like Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, etc. are experiencing incredible housing price increases. (But the job opportunities are booming as well.)

4. Utah - Mormon Country. Many people like that. Some don't. A strong Mormon influence will be found in Eastern and Southern Idaho, Utah, and SW Wyoming. I think the Southern and Eastern part of Utah is drop dead gorgeous

My best piece of advice is for you guys to take a road trip! The "flavor" of Western Oregon and Western Washington is very much different than the other parts of the states - and especially in comparison to AZ. Utah is very cool and yet very different as well. So is Idaho - and there are big differences between the Southern Idaho area (Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello) from the Northern (Panhandle) area.

Then! You've got everything in-between! Whatever you do, don't do it blind. Take three to five days and explore.

Tombstone wrote: Then! You've got everything in-between! Whatever you do, don't do it blind. Take three to five days and explore.


And then do it again!

I agree with the others too - There are wonderful places to live in the central part of the U.S.

john8pies wrote: Dear Susie, most places have some good things about them and some bad .....just in different ratios! Very interested to hear you want to leave Arizona as one of my friends here in England is actually about to retire out there!!!


Hi John8pies,

Arizona is a great place. I think what you are hearing and seeing is that a lot of folks are leaving who are getting tired of the heat and crowding in the southern area of the state. (Southern AZ - Tucson, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, etc.)

But, on the other hand, there are tons of people moving there! To each his own.



Personally, I have a hard time living in an area that is basically hot all the time. (Pleasant in the Winter...but that's about it!) Today and this week, the temp in Phoenix is consistently around 112 F. The area hits highs now in the low 120's! It is also not uncommon to have 80 and 90 degree days in February.

If you love the heat - it's the place for your friend!

oh, I don't know. I'm thinking IOWA! but to live in iowa you have to be kinda partial to the color green. Millions and Millions of acres of green. and no, IOWA is not an acronym for

Idiots

Out

Walking

Around. :wah: